SASKATOON – In less than a month’s time, Canadians will cast their ballots in the 42nd federal election. Come Oct. 19, polling clerks will be stationed throughout the country on Election Day and will require voters to prove they are who they say they are.
“They need to be able to prove their identification and their address,” said Marie-France Kenny, regional media advisor for Elections Canada.
An example would be a driver’s licence or provincial/territorial ID card with your photo, name and current address.
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The documentation may prove difficult for the thousands of Canadians across the nation who identify as homeless and sleep on the very streets the elections signs line.
“Those that are staying with shelter facilities or those that are partaking in our food service programs are able to use our mailing address as their mailing address,” said Heather Hedstrom, community and donor relations advisor for the Salvation Army.
“Then all they have to simply do is have their two pieces and get the permanent resident form declaration from us and go vote!”
It’s a letter of confirmation of residence form that shelter and soup kitchen administrators need to complete and sign. Elections Canada will also accept a letter from administration that is printed on the organizations letterhead.
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“We have a list of the shelters, of the soup kitchens and we do contact all of them,”added Marie-France Kenny.
On June 22, volunteers surveyed Saskatoon counting the homeless and tallying the numbers. In late August, the data released showed 405 adults and 45 children identified as homeless in the region.
In an election where every single vote counts, it is hoped this process will make it easier for the homeless voter to find their voice this federal election.
“I think they’re looking really from a really tough side of life, they’re maybe finding some of the social service programs aren’t working for them or assisting them to get out of the current situation,” said Hedstrom.
“By them having a voice, it can get them hopefully out of the situation that they’re in and assist with providing information on what maybe they need.”
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